REVIEW: The Fun Loving Criminals at the Barrowlands
Legendary trio The Fun Loving Criminals returned to the Barrowlands on Saturday night to deliver their unique brand of funk, hip-hop, soul and jazz-rock to a sell out crowd.
The concert by New York’s finest was the third stop in a 16 date UK and European tour promoting their new album, another Mimosa, which comes 20 years on from the band’s original Mimosa album.
After warm-up act, fresh out of Brooklyn, DJ Mateo Di Fontaine dropped some classic soul and hip-hop gems to get everyone in the mood, the crowd was a little concerned, as frontman Huey Morgan took to the stage using crutches, donning a protective boot-brace, following what appeared to be a broken foot. The slick lyricist declared: “This is what it has to be, I’m under doctors orders, but I was never NOT going to be here with you tonight, it was never a thing.”
A supply of painkillers and regular top ups of Remy Martin seemed to ease his pain, as the uninhibited 6music star freely conversed with crowds between songs from his large, red leather chair, regularly requiring his fellow band members to prompt Morgan back from going off on incoherent tangents with gentle encouragement, which led him to confess: “They think I share too much, they say ‘Huey, you share so much!’ maybe I shouldn’t share so much”
Fans were treated to a trip down memory lane, with old school hits such as Smoke’Em and King of New York, Barry White Saved My Life.
Showcasing their latest material in the set list, the band sounded tight, and delivered songs in their cool, smooth trademark style.
The Barra’s crowd responded well, particularly to their latest single Daylight, which features Happy Mondays regular Rowetta.
The room exploded as they dropped trademark hits Scooby Snacks and Fun Lovin’ Criminals, which led to a chant of “Huey, Huey!”
Safe to say the Glasgow fans flaunted the reason why Scottish crowds earn the reputation of one of the best in the world to play to.
The FLC’s have a long history of gigs at the venue, and were honoured at the end of the night with an presentation and induction into the Barrowlands Hall of Fame, alongside Glasgow music guru and close personal friend, Donald MacLeod, who joined them on stage.
The veteran band left, declaring they would be back soon to the delight of the fans, Huey promising to be more vertical next time.
It seems that indeed crime pays, and in this case, appears to get better with age.
By Chloe Adams
